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Amida Buddha on a Lotus Pedestal

Photo: Elizabeth Mann

Amida Buddha on a Lotus Pedestal

18th century

Japanese

The “true style” lineage of Buddhist sculpture originated by Jocho in the 11th century is present in this 18th-century rendering of Amida Buddha seen in the calm repose of Amida with downcast eyes, idealized features, and hands in the mudra of meditation.

The influence of Genshin’s teachings, recorded in the Essentials of Salvation (Ojo Yoshu), are further evidenced in his description of how one should regard the deity. Devotees should first focus on the lotus-shaped pedestal to purge themselves of impurities. Then the attributes of the deity should be meditated upon in order to attain rebirth in the Pure Land.
Wood, paint, lacquer, and glass
11 15/16 x 9 3/4 in. (30.4 x 24.7 cm)
.a Diam.: 20.6 cm
Overall h.: 64.1 cm
.b H.: 20.3 cm
.b Diam.: 34.2 cm
Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection "Gift to a City: Masterworks From the Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection in the Seattle Art Museum," Portland, OR: Portland Art Museum, 1965, no. 142.
40.46
Provenance: Dr. Fuller purchased from R. Bensabott, Chicago; donated to Seattle Art Museum, 1940
Photo: Elizabeth Mann
location
Not currently on view

Resources

Exhibition HistoryVancouver, British Columbia, Vancouver Art Gallery, "Distant Reverence: Buddhist Sculpture From The Seattle Art Museum", August 16 - October 22, 1989, (08/16/1989 - 10/22/1989)

Portland, Oregon, Portland Art Museum, "Gift to a City: Masterworks from the Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection in the Seattle Art Museum", cat. # 142
Published ReferencesFuller, Richard E. "Japanese Art in the Seattle Art Museum: An Historical Sketch." Seattle, WA: Seattle Art Museum, 1960 ("Presented in commemoration of the Hundredth Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Japan and the United States of America"), no. 131

"Gift to a City" exhibition catalogue. Portland, OR: Portland Art Museum, 1965, cat. no. 142

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